Indian Redwood, also known as Biancaea sappan or sappanwood, has been documented in the traditional systems of medicine in India and other parts of Asia. Its heartwood has been used in Ayurveda and other traditional healing systems for various ailments, including as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery, which are symptoms sometimes associated with cholera. The rationale for its use often centers on its purported antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional texts have described preparations of Indian Redwood as helpful for gastrointestinal disturbances, though details specific to cholera are sparse and mostly anecdotal.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited evidence to support its efficacy specifically against Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. Some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial compounds in Indian Redwood extracts, but these have not been clinically evaluated for cholera treatment in humans. There are no robust clinical trials or modern pharmacological studies validating its use for cholera management. Therefore, while its use is rooted in tradition and supported by limited preclinical data for broad antimicrobial effects, there is currently insufficient scientific validation for its use against cholera specifically.